Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-06-04

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Simitis praises level of Greek-Chinese relations following Beijing talks

[02] PM received by Chinese leadership; double taxation agreement signed

[03] Premier cites provisos for Mideast initiative by Athens

[04] President Stephanopoulos meets Singapore counterpart

[05] Gov't, party relax to health minister's desire to quit politics

[06] We should move beyond statements, to essence of Cyprus problem, FM says

[07] Karamanlis blasts PM at ND parliamentary group meeting

[08] Minister and Council of Europe official discuss human rights

[09] Justice ministry general secretary resigns over Sedom affair

[10] EU Commission cites Greece for one hundred environmental directives' violations

[11] Archbishop Christodoulos meets Council of Europe's Commissioner for Human Rights

[12] Candidate for Athens mayor Bakoyianni speaks on city's problems

[13] Gov't on 'Economist' report focusing on Simitis

[14] Kaklamanis meets with Indian, Turkish ambassadors

[15] EU Transport Commission in Athens for Posidonia 2002 shipping fair

[16] Greek PMI rises to 54.5 in May, highest since Nov 2000

[17] Greek Navy to modernize submarines

[18] Engineering group charges irregularity in Mount Parnes casino tender

[19] EU employment ministers' council takes important decisions

[20] Merchant marine minister calls for quality in shipping

[21] Metropolis Informatics to apply for NEXA listing this month

[22] Seminar on working with the World Bank June 14

[23] Hellenic Investor Relations Institute begin operations

[24] Greek stocks end 0.79 pct lower on Monday

[25] Calatrava denies reports of increased project cost for Olympic Games stadium

[26] ATHOC delegation visits General Staff to discuss Olympic Games' security issues

[27] Greece pledges $ 750,000 for restoration of Kabul Museum

[28] Ancient ship replica 'Kyrenia II' arrives at Psarrou shipyard for repairs

[29] Danish premier urges parties in Cyprus to find solution

[30] FM: decision on Cyprus' EU accession should go ahead

[31] UN chief recommends extending UNFICYP mandate for six months

[01] Simitis praises level of Greek-Chinese relations following Beijing talks

BEIJING, 04/06/2002 (ANA - V. Mourtis)

“We have an interest in retaining good contacts with the leadership and people of China,” Simitis said after his meetings with China’s President Jiang Zemin and State Council Premier Zhu Rongji, before praising bilateral relations as very good.

He added that EU-China relations are also good, while he stressing that Athens is particularly interested in EU-China relations because the country wants a “multi polar” world in order to better promote international peace.

Simitis forecast, in fact, that Greece’s EU presidency in the first half of 2003 would include a priority of preparing for the all-important EU-China summit in September 2003.

The Greek prime minister stressed that bilateral economic relations are good, although they could be distinctly improved and developed further. He also lauded the signing of an agreement eliminating double taxation, calling negotiations over the matter as a "difficult task".

Moreover, he said talks on finally ironing out a bilateral agreement to designate Greece a "preferred tourist destination" for Chinese nationals are continuing in the Chinese capital at present.

Other areas of cooperation: In terms of agricultural cooperation, the Chinese side reportedly expressed an interest in acquiring know-how to cultivate olive trees in the vast country, as well as importing Greek olive oil.

Close cooperation is also envisioned between the two sides in the run-up to the Athens 2004 and the Beijing 2008 Olympics, as the Beijing organizers are expected to closely observe preparations for the Games that precede theirs.

As far as the cultural field is concerned, a Chinese film week will be organized in Athens, with a similar Greek film week to take place in Beijing, while both sides are also interested in exchanging information on archaeological excavations.

International issues: Simitis told reporters that a variety of international issues were discussed in his high-level talks, including the Cyprus issue, Greek-Turkish relations, the role of Washington on the international stage, China-US relations, China-Russia relations, the current India-Pakistan crisis, Afghanistan as well as the Mideast question - which Beijing wants concluded as soon as possible, according to reports.

In response to a relevant press question, Simitis said China is following a positive course vis-a-vis the Russia-NATO working relationship, which Beijing apparently believes will lead to more stability in the world.

The Chinese side reportedly also said the recent "coming together" of NATO and Russia does not alienate Moscow from its past allies.

Finally, Simitis told reporters that Zemin conveyed an invitation to Greek President Kostis Stephanopoulos to visit the Far East country, whereas the Greek premier invited his counterpart to Greece.

[02] PM received by Chinese leadership; double taxation agreement signed

BEIJING, 04/06/2002 (ANA - V. Mourtis)

Welcoming the Greek premier, whom he had met during a visit to Athens two years earlier, Zemin noted that this was the first visit by a Greek prime minister to China since that of Andreas Papandreou in 1986, 16 years earlier.

In his reply to Zemin, Simitis noted the radical changes that had taken place in the world since their last meeting two years ago, particularly since the September 11 terror attacks against the United States and the launch of the international campaign against terrorism. As an example he cited relations between NATO and the European Union, as well as the NATO-Russia accord.

There followed an official reception ceremony for Simitis in Beijing's historic Tien An Men Square, also attended by Chinese State Council Premier Zhu Rongji.

Simitis and Rongji had a brief meeting in the presence of TV crews and reporters afterward, during which Rongji noted that the Greek premier's visit coincided with the 30th anniversary since the two countries re-established diplomatic relations.

The Greek premier pointed to China's rich cultural heritage and traditions and said that these and the progress in achieving greater economic cooperation between the two countries could act as a bridge between the Greek and Chinese peoples.

Talks continued between the delegations of the two sides without reporters present, with the participation of Greek ministers and government officials accompanying Simitis.

These included Foreign Minister George Papandreou, Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Loverdos, and Deputy Development Minister Dimitris Georgakopoulos.

The meeting culminated in the signature of an agreement for the avoidance of double taxation, signed for Greece by Loverdos, and two protocols for bilateral cooperation in agricultural issues.

The first concerned the promotion of olive oil exports from Greece to China and the second concerned issues related to forestry policy.

Earlier on Monday, Simitis and the Greek delegation also took the opportunity to do some sightseeing, visiting a section of the Great Wall of China and the tombs of the Ming Dynasty.

Simitis' arrived in Beijing on Sunday at the head of a large delegations of government officials and entrepreneurs.

Apart from the agreements signed on Monday, the two sides are expected to sign a variety of bilateral agreements relating to Greece's EU presidency in the first half of 2003, the Athens Olympics in 2004 and the subsequent Beijing Games in 2008. Among the most noteworthy is an agreement classifying Greece as a "preferred destination" for Chinese tourists and a memorandum of understanding in the defense industry sector.

On Tuesday, Simitis will address a joint forum of Chinese and Greek entrepreneurs, before meeting with Li Peng, the chairman of the standing committee of the 9th National People's Congress (NPC).

On Wednesday, he will visit the city of Xian before touring Shanghai on Thursday.

[03] Premier cites provisos for Mideast initiative by Athens

BEIJING, 04/06/2002 (ANA - V. Mourtis)

Responding to questions, Simitis said that a Greek initiative along those lines was possible, with two important provisos. The first was the assent of all the interested parties and the second that such a process had a serious chance of leading to some sort of result.

Simitis was speaking during a press conference given in Beijing, where he is currently on an official visit.

[04] President Stephanopoulos meets Singapore counterpart

SINGAPORE, 04/06/2002 (ANA - N. Megadoukas)

Stephanopoulos departed Athens on Sunday for a tour of Singapore, Australia and New Zealand and will be staying on the island state for two days.

Earlier in the morning, Singapore time, Stephanopoulos toured the city of Singapore, while his visit to Nathan took place in the evening. On Monday night he will attend a reception given in his honor by the Greek ambassador to Singapore.

He departs for Melbourne, the first leg of his visit to Australia on Tuesday.

[05] Gov't, party relax to health minister's desire to quit politics

Athens, 04/06/2002 (ANA)

The minister had the government's full confidence for the position he now occupied and would speak with Prime Minister Costas Simitis after the latter's return from China, the spokesman added.

He said the prime minister was unaware of the reasons that prompted Papadopoulos' announcement and first heard of them from the press.

In an interview with the Sunday edition of the Athens newspaper ''Kathimerini'', Papadopoulos had said he would not be a candidate for Parliament in the next general elections and expressed a desire to "make a career change".

The paper also quotes Papadopoulos as saying that he would like to remain at the health ministry's helm until ongoing reforms in the country's public health system are completed -- a reform he termed a veritable "revolution" and one aimed directly at "standing vested interests".

An announcement issued by ruling PASOK headquarters on Monday, meanwhile, quoted PASOK Central Committee Secretary Costas Laliotis saying that he disagreed with the minister's decision while understanding the reasons that led him to it.

Laliotis particularly criticized the timing and the way in which Papadopoulos chose to make the announcement, saying that it gave ammunition to those who chose to link his decision with the party's current problems and changes making Thesprotia a single-seat constituency.

[06] We should move beyond statements, to essence of Cyprus problem, FM says

BEIJING, 04/06/2002 (ANA - B. Mourtis)

Papandreou made the statement when he was asked to comment on statements made on Sunday by his Turkish counterpart Ismail Cem, who was quoted as warning that the Turkish Cypriot side would not be forced into accepting a deal to reunite the divided island republic, even in the face of EU pressure.

''No one should be under the belief that Turkey or the 'Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus' is obliged to or responsible for accepting a resolution no matter what the cost,'' Cem said in an address in the occupied regions.

Papandreou said that he did not know the exact statements of Cem, but stressed that the statements of the Turkish leadership were the same for some time now, adding that there should be the political will on the side of Turkey to promote the resolution of the Cyprus problem.

Only Ankara recognizes the Turkish Cypriot pseudo-state illegally set up on the areas it controls, whereas the free parts of Cyprus under the internationally recognized government of Nicosia rank as a frontrunner for European Union accession in the next wave of the Union's expansion.

[07] Karamanlis blasts PM at ND parliamentary group meeting

Athens, 04/06/2002 (ANA)

Karamanlis said that panic was a bad counselor, and warned that the country was not being governed since the government had no program or plan, while it was plagued by clashes among its ministers with an eye on the party leadership.

He was severely critical of the country's economic performance and foreign policy issues, warning that these could not be lumped together in a package deal but required vigilance, determination and unanimity.

Karamanlis said that unanimity on foreign policy issues was a given fact, adding that ND had not hesitated to back the country's diplomatic efforts even when the government was critical of its positions.

But he expressed regret that he had yet to be briefed on the changes being advanced regarding the Ankara text on the European rapid reaction force despite Simitis' promises for a personal meeting.

Karamanlis leaves Tuesday for Brussels and then on to the US, where he will meet with European and US officials for talks that include important foreign policy issues for Greece.

He accused the government of lack of transparency and delays in its handling of the 3rd Community Support Framework funds, adding that the New Democracy government's economic policy will begin with a fiscal review.

Government spokesman: Replying to Karamanlis' statements later on Monday, government spokesman Telemachos Chytiris accused the ND leader of using 'scorched earth' tactics to mount an opposition.

Throughout the time that Karamanlis had been in the opposition, he added, Greece and progressed and improved in all areas - economic, foreign policy, social policy and public works.

Karamanlis continuously bombarded the public with dire warnings of disaster and said that nothing positive was happening, "thinking that in this way he can fool the Greek people," the deputy press minister said.

[08] Minister and Council of Europe official discuss human rights

Athens, 04/06/2002 (ANA)

On the issue of immigration in Europe, Robles said that what was necessary, apart from control measures, was an overall policy to handle the issue on European and world level.

Giannitsis said it was an approach with which the Greek government agreed, adding that the whole issue of immigration would be raised at the upcoming EU summit in Seville.

Referring to the issue of terrorism, Robles expressed hope that its handling will not affect existing progress in the sectors of protecting and safeguarding fundamental principles, with which Giannitsis agreed, according to a relevant foreign ministry announcement.

[09] Justice ministry general secretary resigns over Sedom affair

Athens, 04/06/2002 (ANA)

Justice Minister Philippos Petsalnikos accepted his resignation.

According to the report, Asimiadis had signed a document ordering that Sedom remain at Korydallos, from which he later escaped, instead of being returned to the prison in Kerkyra where he had originally been incarcerated. Sedom had been transferred from Kerkyra to Korydallos to receive psychiatric treatment.

Apparently, Sedom was due to stand trial on May 13, 2002 and the order aimed to cut down on the frequency of prisoner transfers.

Sedom, 32, was serving multiple sentences, including a life-sentence for intentional homicide. He managed to walk out of Korydallos in disguise on May 27, accompanied by prison psychiatrist Olga Atmatzoglou, 45, who passed him off as a ''colleague''.

The murder conviction against Sedom relates to the killing of 20-year-old university student Stefania Sardi in the 1990s - a crime of which he had been originally acquitted for lack of evidence. In April 2001, however, Sedom gave himself up voluntarily and confessed to Sardi's murder in order to avoid extradition to the United States, where he is also wanted on a murder charge and faces a death sentence imposed by a US court.

Since being incarcerated in Korydallos, he has also been accused of the murder of fellow-inmate Konstantin Papas, 33, an Albanian who had given evidence against escaped convict Kostas Passaris. Papas was found hanged in his cell shortly after entering the prison.

[10] EU Commission cites Greece for one hundred environmental directives' violations

BRUSSELS, 04/06/2002 (ANA - B. Demiris)

His press release noted that the problems of Greece with environmental regulations were made known by a statement by EU Commissioner Margot Wallstrom.

Wallstrom responded to a question tabled by Hatzidakis on the subject stressing that out of about 100 cases, seven have reached the European Court and 32 are in the process of assessment.

[11] Archbishop Christodoulos meets Council of Europe's Commissioner for Human Rights

Athens, 04/06/2002 (ANA)

Gil-Robles is currently visiting Greece for meetings with government officials, representatives of non-governmental organizations, spiritual leaders and representatives of gypsies for whom he shows particular interest regarding the situation of their human rights.

Following their meeting, Gil-Robles told reporters he discussed with Archbishop Christodoulos about human rights in Greece, religious freedoms and relations with other dogmas.

He said the situation in Greece has improved, adding that slowly but surely, the problems are being solved.

[12] Candidate for Athens mayor Bakoyianni speaks on city's problems

Athens, 04/06/2002 (ANA)

She said the main problem in the Greek capital was that of traffic congestion, noting that Athenians on average waste two to two-and-a half hours daily in commuting.

She said the traffic problem has not been solved nor has improved and that what was needed was the creation of large underground tunnels and junctions.

Parking was another problem, said Bakoyianni who accused the government of not attempting to solve it.

A third problem was the lack of greenery and open spaces, she said, noting that Athens had the lowest percentage of greenery as a big city.

Atmospheric pollution was another problem that had to be tackled while the image of the city was also an important chapter, which required attention, the deputy said.

[13] Gov't on 'Economist' report focusing on Simitis

Athens, 04/06/2002 (ANA)

[14] Kaklamanis meets with Indian, Turkish ambassadors

Athens, 04/06/2002 (ANA)

India's ambassador and Kaklamanis discussed developments in Kashmir and he expressed his concern over escalating tension in relations between India and Pakistan.

Kaklamanis also met with the Turkish ambassador with whom he discussed the frequently repeated proposals by the Greek Parliament for cooperation with the Turkish national assembly.

He stressed that the Greek Parliament supports efforts for Greek-Turkish rapprochement.

[15] EU Transport Commission in Athens for Posidonia 2002 shipping fair

Athens, 04/06/2002 (ANA)

The meeting, however, did not reach any decisions.

Mr. Verelis briefed Mrs. de Palacio over a restructuring program currently implemented by Olympic Airways in cooperation with the Greek government.

He also presented the Greek EU presidency's main priorities and plans to upgrade the country's railways network, particularly in the Peloponnese.

Mrs. Loyola de Palacio is visiting Greece to attend a special event held by the organizers of ''Posidonia 2002'' international maritime trade fair in Piraeus.

Government sources said Mrs. de Palacio would also meet Merchant Marine Minister George Anomeritis.

[16] Greek PMI rises to 54.5 in May, highest since Nov 2000

Athens, 04/06/2002 (ANA)

The increase was the biggest since November 2000 and marks the 36th rise in the index in the last 37 months.

The PMI rise reflected an increase in production, new orders, supplies and employment.

Demand for Greek products rose for the sixth consecutive month in May, with the growth rate slightly higher compared with the previous month but still the highest rate since November 2000.

Employment levels in the manufacturing sector continued rising in May, with the highest growth rate since June 2000.

The monthly index, compiled by NTC Research of the UK with the Greek Procurements Institute, is designed to offer an overview of conditions in the manufacturing sector. Readings above 50 show growth, while below 50 slowdown.

Eurozone's PMI index, compiled by Reuters-NTC Research, also rose to 51.5 in May from 50.7 in April, recording the highest increase in the last 15 months.

[17] Greek Navy to modernize submarines

Athens, 04/06/2002 (ANA)

In the event the program is extended to a fourth submarine of the same type (with the activation of an option) then the total cost will amount to 347 billion drachmas.

With the modernization of Poseidon-type submarines and the building of four 214-type submarines, the Navy will effectively upgrade its fighting capacity.

The cost of building the four 214-type submarines will reach 509 billion drachmas.

[18] Engineering group charges irregularity in Mount Parnes casino tender

Athens, 04/06/2002 (ANA)

The losing Club Hotel Loutraki-Piraeus Bank group said it would take legal action over the tender's second phase, in which it was ousted, company executives told a news conference.

Finally declared winner of the tender was the Attiki Casino consortium, comprising Hyatt of the world hotels chain and engineering contractor Hellenic Technodomiki, which had bid 92.1 million euros, the executives said.

At the same time, Loutraki-Piraeus' financial bid was never opened, they added.

Hellenic Tourism Real Estate, a subsidiary of the Greek National Tourism Organization, held the tender.

[19] EU employment ministers' council takes important decisions

BRUSSELS, 04/06/2002 (ANA - Y. Zitouniati)

It also agreed to the extension of Regulation 1408/71 to the citizens of third countries, safeguarding equal treatment for all people living permanently in the territory of EU member-states.

Deputy Labor Minister Eleftherios Tziolas, who represented Greece, referred to the extension of social security to immigrants from third countries living legally in the EU, saying that not only is it dictated by the political commitments of the EU and member-states but by the Action Program as well.

''The Council successfully completed longstanding efforts today whose time goes back to the Commission's initial proposal in 1995,'' Tziolas said.

On her part, relevant Commissioner Anna Diamantopoulou said ''this agreement does not create new rights for immigrants from third countries but constitutes a necessary supplementary measure for the implementation of a common immigration policy.''

Diamantopoulou said during her address to the Council that immigrants from third countries staying in the EU currently amount to 13 million.

On the question of health and security issues at workplace, the Council agreed to the modernization of directive 83/477 on the protection of working people from amiantus.

Tziolas underlined the significance of modernizing, with the utilization of technology as well, measures contributing to protecting the health of working people and of the environment at the same time.

According to a European Parliament report publicized last March, working people exposed to asbestos during the '80s face 10 times a greater risk of contracting lung cancer.

[20] Merchant marine minister calls for quality in shipping

Athens, 04/06/2002 (ANA)

Also of primary importance were business efficiency, safety, and protection of the environment, coupled with advanced technology and a high level of specialization, Anomeritis told a conference held during the Posidonia international shipping trade fair.

The shipping sector was among the government's priorities in its rotating presidency of the European Union in the first half of 2003, he added.

Greece is a world leader in merchant shipping, controlling 20 percent of tonnage.

The EU's transport commissioner, Loyola de Palacio, told the conference that Europe's fleet needed to restore competitiveness, aided by measures including taxation.

Furthermore, Greece, in the wake of the Express Samina shipwreck, needed to carry out tight port controls on vessels and aboard ship, with more inspections by shipping registers.

Accidents were a concern in all European waters, de Palacio added.

The president of the Union of Greek Ship owners, Yiannis Lyras, said that transportation by ship would increase, which meant that the sector needed support.

Lyras also called for policies to forestall and manage disasters at sea, especially oil spills, rather than measures after the event.

[21] Metropolis Informatics to apply for NEXA listing this month

Athens, 04/06/2002 (ANA)

The company expects to submit its formal listing application to ASE authorities during the month.

Metropolis Informatics, in which Siemens SA holds a 17.5 percent equity stake, has announced an investment plan worth 4.141 million euros for the period 2002-2004.

The company, based in Thessaloniki, reported exports totalling 2.455 million euros, or 83 percent of total sales in 2001.

Metropolis expects this year's turnover to total 4.38 million euros, from 2.955 million euros in 2001, and profits of 1.6 million euros from 1.18 million in 2001.

[22] Seminar on working with the World Bank June 14

Athens, 04/06/2002 (ANA)

The seminar is organized by the World Bank's liaison office at the Balkan & Black Sea Business Center in Thessaloniki, working with the ministries of finance and Macedonia-Thrace.

World Bank executives will inform Greek investors of IFC investment activities in the Balkans and trust funds in which Greece is taking part.

[23] Hellenic Investor Relations Institute begin operations

Athens, 04/06/2002 (ANA)

The HIRI aims to promote and improve relations between companies, investors (both institutional and private), the media and regulatory authorities.

Its president, Nikolaos Demos, addressing the event said that such institutes were operating abroad since 1950, totalling more than 150 international agencies worldwide.

The event concluded that the institute's presence in the domestic capital market was a necessity to promote Greek businesses and mutual funds to Greek and foreign investors.

[24] Greek stocks end 0.79 pct lower on Monday

Athens, 04/06/2002 (ANA)

The general index fell 0.79 percent to end at 2,279.50 points, with turnover at 99.8 million euros, of which 39.3 million euros were pre-agreed block trades.

The Publication and Telecommunications sectors were the only ones to score gains (0.49 percent and 0.08 percent, respectively), while the Holdings, Banks and Investment sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses (3.09 percent, 1.92 percent and 1.68 percent).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks fell 1.31 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index eased 0.09 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index was unchanged at Friday's closing levels.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 203 to 105 with another 47 issues unchanged.

The most heavily traded shares in value were Piraeus Leasing, Hyatt, Cosmote, and Hellenic Telecommunications Organization.

Equity index futures at discount: Equity index futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Monday ended lower in flaccid trade.

Turnover was 44.2 million euros.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips shed 1.31 percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks lost 0.09 percent.

Bond prices mixed in thin trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Monday finished mixed in light trade focusing on 10-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.50 percent, and the spread over the corresponding German bund was 29 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system was 965 million euros.

Buy orders accounted about half of trade.

[25] Calatrava denies reports of increased project cost for Olympic Games stadium

Athens, 04/06/2002 (ANA)

The Athens Sunday Kathimerini newspaper published a report claiming that the cost of the project was increased dramatically and that the architect was displeased by actions of Greek officials.

''With regard to the article written by Nikos Vatopoulos and published in the newspaper Kathimerini on June 2nd 2002, I would like to convey to you the following,'' Calatrava told Deputy Sports Minister Nassos Alevras in a letter, which he also sent to Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos.

''I wish to assure you that neither me nor any of the members of my company have made any kind of declarations to the press or to any journalist concerning information on the project which we understand to be strictly private and confidential,'' he added.

''With regard to the comments made by the newspaper concerning the prices I have to say that they are wrong, and exaggerated which tend to separate the design team and the construction companies, clearly trying to interfere with the project's achievement,'' he said.

On his part, Alevras stressed that the culture ministry went ahead with an open international tender for the project, which was budgeted at 69 billion drachmas (about 202 million euros).

He added that the tender was announced on January 13 and five Greek consortiums submitted bids, but no foreign companies appeared to take part in the process.

Alevras also said that following the submitting of the final plans by Calatrava the new budget of the project stood at 83 million euros, while a series of contacts was made with the architect to lead to a final proposal for the budget of the project.

The deputy minister also said that legislation was clearly in support of Calatrava, as the budget of a project was mainly determined by the architect, thus he added that the report in the newspaper, claiming a doubling or tripling of the budget in Calatrava's absence could not stand.

Calatrava also stressed that ''all along the project's development we have worked together with Athens 2004 and the Ministry of Culture and subsequently, all our estimates have been proposed to the corresponding services at Athens 2004 and at the Ministry of Culture and later accepted by their Technical Departments.''

''Nevertheless, due to the complexity and technical requirements regarding for example, the risk of seism in the area of Athens and due to some particular aspects like the steel price that is always variable owing to the market fluctuations, we inform you that the end cost of the project will be moderately higher than our estimate,'' he underlined.

''It is obvious we are facing a project with great implications due to its magnitude and complexity regarding architecture, town planning, landscaping, engineering, circulation and logistics whose goal is to create the most beautiful and innovative Olympic Ring never built. This will undoubtedly be the less expensive one compared to the one in Sidney or the one in Atlanta,'' he noted.

''Therefore I wish to request your support to provide the world with the project's deserved image which is the result of the collaboration and effort of your services, the Greek engineers' team as well as my company,'' he concluded.

Alevras also stressed that the comparison of prices with countries such as Spain and Portugal is convincing that the accusations for overpricing were baseless in projects in Greece.

[26] ATHOC delegation visits General Staff to discuss Olympic Games' security issues

Athens, 04/06/2002 (ANA)

[27] Greece pledges $ 750,000 for restoration of Kabul Museum

Athens, 04/06/2002 (ANA)

The bulk of this contribution would be allocated for the restoration of the Kabul Museum, as announced during the January 2002 Tokyo Conference, in accordance with the existing general plans and with Afghan technical support, a Greek culture ministry release said.

The commitment was announced on the heels of an International Seminar for the Rehabilitation of Afghanistan's Cultural Heritage held in Kabul late last week, during which UNESCO released the text of the Mission Report and Project Proposal for the Rehabilitation of the Kabul Museum.

Greece had earlier provided 44,000 euros for the rehabilitation of the National Theatrical Company, the Music Center, and the National Gallery of Afghanistan.

The Seminar of donor countries expressed gratitude to Greece for its generous contribution, and also acknowledged the gratitude of the Afghan ministry of culture and information.

[28] Ancient ship replica 'Kyrenia II' arrives at Psarrou shipyard for repairs

Athens, 04/06/2002 (ANA)

The ship has been successfully towed and raised out of the water for repairs and in order to be prepared as an exhibit for a special museum being constructed at Aghia Nappa on Cyprus.

The Aghia Nappa municipality is building the museum with the assistance of the Demetrios Pierides Foundation and the Greek Institute for the Protection of Naval Tradition.

It is due to be completed in early 2003, while visitors will be able to view the ship at the Perama shipyard until the end of 2002.

The ship is a replica of a shipwrecked ancient Greek vessel dating from the 4th century BC that was found off the Kyrenia coast. It was constructed at the Psarrou shipyard between 1982 and 1985.

[29] Danish premier urges parties in Cyprus to find solution

COPENHAGEN, 04/06/2002 (CNA/ANA)

Rasmussen, who met here on Monday with Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides, also said that Denmark, which takes over the EU rotating presidency as of July 1, aims to conclude negotiations with up to 10 candidate countries at the Copenhagen Summit in December and that the timetable for enlargement will be implemented.

He also expressed support to the UN Secretary General's efforts for a solution in Cyprus and noted that although the solution is not a precondition for Cyprus' EU accession, ''it would be an advantage'', and ''we have to take all relevant factors into consideration''.

President Clerides said that ''we do want to find a solution of the Cyprus problem as soon as possible'' and noted he saw no reason why the Helsinki decision on Cyprus should not be implemented.

[30] FM: decision on Cyprus' EU accession should go ahead

Athens, 04/06/2002 (ANA)

Kasoulides said that June remains a target date for the Cyprus issue and that if the UN-led direct talks between President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash do not bear fruit by the end of this month, negotiations should not stop.

Referring to the Turkish position for ''two states with separate sovereignties'' in Cyprus, reiterated last week by Turkish Foreign

Minister Ismail Cem, Kasoulides made it abundantly clear that the Greek Cypriot side will not accept such a settlement.

The foreign minister, in the Danish capital accompanying President Clerides, also recalled that the EU stressed that it would rather have a reunited Cyprus speaking with a single voice in the Union.

Denmark takes over the six-monthly EU rotating presidency on July 1.

Monday's meeting took place at the invitation of Rasmussen, who is also seeing heads of government from other candidate countries.

Kasoulides told CNA that the EU decision on Cyprus' accession should not be affected by a possible change in the positions of the Turkish side at the talks or by the continuation of the peace negotiations after the target date of June.

He announced that on June 6 Spanish Minister of State, responsible for EU affairs Ramon De Miguel, representing the current EU Spanish presidency, and EU Chief Negotiator with Cyprus Leopold Maurer and a representative of the forthcoming Danish EU presidency will visit Cyprus.

[31] UN chief recommends extending UNFICYP mandate for six months

UNITED NATIONS, 04/06/2002 (CNA/ANA)

In his report on UNFICYP to the Security Council, covering the period from 28 November 2001 to 29 May 2002, the UN chief makes a brief reference to direct talks between President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, launched in January with a view to solve the problem of Cyprus, divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

Annan also mentions his visit to the island in mid-May, ''to discuss with the two leaders ways in which they could move forward more effectively and to express my willingness to help them reach the goal they had set out to achieve at the end of last year''.

''As agreed on December 4, 2001, Glafcos Clerides and Rauf Denktash began direct talks at my invitation in the United Nations Protected Area in the presence of my Special Adviser on Cyprus, Alvaro de Soto, on January 16, 2002'', he says.

The UN chief adds that ''as at May 29, in the course of four rounds of talks, a total of 35 direct meetings had been held'' and notes that ''de Soto has traveled on a regular basis to New York to brief members of the Security Council and also paid a working visit to Athens and Ankara''.

He adds that ''the military situation along the ceasefire lines remained calm'' with only ''a few incidents, mainly in Nicosia, where the opposing forces are in close proximity''.

These incidents, he explains, ''included the cocking and pointing of weapons at UNFICYP soldiers, stone throwing, temporary moves forward into the unmanned positions and verbal abuse''.

''Air violations of the United Nations buffer zone decreased from 34 recorded in the last reporting period to 17. Seven were by National Guard aircraft, four by Turkish military aircraft, one by a civilian light aircraft from the south and five by civilian aircraft from the north'', he adds.

Annan notes that UNFICYP facilitated 39 events in the buffer zone between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, with an estimated participation of 6,600 people.

''UNFICYP carried out its mandated humanitarian tasks in support of the 428 Greek Cypriots and 162 Maronites living in the northern part of the island and of those Turkish Cypriots in the southern part who had made themselves known to the Force'', he adds.

On the issue of missing persons, the Secretary General notes that towards the end of December 2001, the leaders of the two communities decided to give particular attention to this problem.

To this end, they met at the residence and in the presence of the Chief of Mission, Zbigniew Wlosowicz, on 11 January 2002, and ''committed themselves to each submitting a paper on how to solve this humanitarian problem'', Annan notes, adding that ''accordingly, at the end of January, both leaders had presented a paper''.

On financial matters, Annan says that the amount of 42.4 million dollars was appropriated by the UN General Assembly for the maintenance of UNFICYP for the period from July 1, 2001 to June 30, 2002. This amount includes the voluntary contribution of one third of the cost of the Force, equivalent to 13.6 million dollars, from the government of Cyprus, and the voluntary contribution of 6.5 million dollars from the government of Greece.

His proposed budget for the maintenance of UNFICYP for the period from July 1, 2002 to June 30, 2003, which amounts to 43.7 million dollars, is currently under consideration by the General Assembly.

Annan observes that ''during the past six months, the situation along the ceasefire lines has remained calm''.

''However, UNFICYP operations continued to be impeded by the restrictions imposed on it by the Turkish Cypriot authorities and the Turkish forces'', he adds.

The UN chief also notes that he is ''encouraged that there were increased contacts between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities''.

''Under the present circumstances, I consider the presence of UNFICYP on the island essential to the maintenance of the ceasefire between the two sides. I therefore recommend that the Security Council extend the mandate of the Force for a further period of six months, until December 15, 2002'', he concludes.

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